While most teenagers fly out of school at the sound of the last bell, 96 percent of Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin’s freshmen recently chose to stay after school to get ready for upcoming semester exams through the Polar Express to Academic Success.

Using the theme of a train ride, the innovative program featured a series of sessions or “whistle stops” designed to provide calendar planning, study skills, test taking strategies and content review well in advance of exams. Teachers, administrators, counselors and upperclass students conducted the sessions.

“I really enjoyed listening to the older students give us tips on what to expect and having the teachers help us develop a plan,” said Marissa Herman, one of 174 freshman who took part. “It helped me learn new study skills and calm my nerves.”

During the program, students attended four sessions, each running 20 minutes. The program began by fueling the students’ spiritual engines with prayer and stoking their energy levels with hot chocolate and cookies provided by Aladdin Food Management.

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“It helped take the stress out of the idea of taking exams,” said freshman Harison Bhanoo. “It was a great experience. I left feeling well prepared for my first high school exams.”

Science teacher Nathan Smith, director of counseling Rachel Siegel, and assistant principal Vincent Bonacci developed the Polar Express idea as part of their work with the Link Crew program. Link Crew trains juniors and seniors to support freshmen spiritually, socially, personally, and academically throughout their first year of high school.

“The students who attended were equipped with test-taking skills and study strategies that will help them both next week for final exams as well as final exams in college,” Bonacci said. “It was amazing to see so many students attend an after-school event like this until 5p.m. It demonstrates the commitment our students have to academic excellence.”

Each student who completed the program earned a certificate good for a 5 percent bonus on one exam.

“Getting an extra 5 percent on one of my tests is a nice bonus,” Herman said with a smile. “I hope NDCL continues this program next year.”

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Jean reports on feature stories across the area as well as Geauga County community and school district news. Reach the author at jbonchak@news-herald.com
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